Edenvale Fire Station forced to call on neighbouring stations to fight fires
Edenvale Fire Station’s vehicles were all out of service when the emergency was reported.
Fire stations from surrounding areas responded to a fire in Hurlyvale after it came to light that Edenvale Fire Station’s vehicles were all out of service.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS, units from Edenvale Fire Station were not dispatched and did not respond as the station had no vehicles available.
DEMS media liaison Eric Maloka said Bedfordview firefighters were returning from a grass fire when they were stopped by a metro official who informed them about the fire and escorted them to the scene.
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They arrived on the scene at 11:42 to extinguish the August 23 fire.
When Bedfordview and Edenvale News arrived on the scene, firefighters could be seen extinguishing the blaze from a veld along Gibson Road which had also been burnt.
Smouldering thatching could be seen in the burnt veld.
“Bedfordview arrived first on the scene while Kempton Park Fire Station assisted on the scene as a backup,” said Maloka.
When they arrived, firefighters found a lapa on fire.
The lapa is believed to be situated on a residential property located on St Joseph Road.
A firefighter on at the scene told the News the scene was well alight when DEMS arrived.
“Attempts were made to prevent the fire from spreading to other buildings,” said Maloka.
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According to Maloka no injuries or deaths were reported.
At this stage, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Maloka said DEMS is unsure if the lapa was on fire first or if the grass fire started first.
Providing advice, he advised community members to ensure they have fire breaks close to lapas or thatch-roofed buildings.
Additionally, Maloka said all lapas and thatched roofed buildings must be treated according to safety standards.
